Asian Games champion Le Bich Phuong will miss a chance to defend her title at this December's 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.— File Photo

HA NOI (VNS) – Asian Games champion Le Bich Phuong will miss a chance to defend her title at this December's 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

Phuong, who is expected to do well at the Games, tore a ligament on her right knee during training at the weekend.

Doctors said the injury would keep the Military athlete away from the competition mat for months.

The absence of the 21-year-old will strongly affect Viet Nam's performance as Phuong not only takes part in the 55kg individual event, but also team events.

However, Viet Nam will welcome former world kata champion Nguyen Hoang Ngan and former SEA Games winner Vu Nguyet Anh return to competition after recovering from injury. – VNS